Current position

Social Area / International Relations and Political Science Program

Program Overview

In order to address the various problems we face in a globalized world, the first thing we need is to learn our role as active participants in politics. This program aims to equip you with the knowledge and education necessary to live as a responsible citizen amidst growing social divisions such as wealth inequality. Furthermore, we will gain an understanding of rapidly changing international relations by studying history, theory, and the politics and societies of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Video explaining the overview of the International Relations and Politics program.

Class Featured

A scene from an introductory political science class.

Introduction to political science

In recent years, political crises such as populism, division, and xenophobia have come to the forefront, and domestically, issues questioning the nature of politics and politicians have been occurring one after another. Understanding the political system and the concepts and ideologies that underpin it is essential for us to make appropriate judgments and take appropriate actions as voters and global citizens. In this lecture, we will learn the fundamental concepts of political science and consider the ideals and institutions of democracy, as well as the characteristics and various problems of the Japanese state and politics.
A scene from a specialized seminar (Considering the coexistence of global society from the perspectives of international law, international organizations, and human security).

Specialized Seminar (Considering Coexistence in Global Society: International Law, International Organizations, and Human Security)

The universal themes related to the state, politics, and law addressed in the International Relations and Politics program are deeply connected to the International Relations program, which examines the global issues we currently face (conflict, refugees, new infectious diseases, poverty and inequality, discrimination and persecution, etc.). In this specialized seminar, which spans both programs, students can research countries, regions, or themes of their own interest, stemming from their concern for the guarantee of human survival and dignity amidst the aforementioned issues, and the role of international law and international organizations in this context.
Other classes and subjects
Political Science / Constitutional Law / Administrative Law / Political Process Theory I, II / Comparative Politics I, II / Politics and Diplomacy in Modern Japan / Politics in Contemporary Japan I, II / International Politics / Global Politics / International Law A, B / International Organizations / Conflict Theory / Peace Theory / Nationalism and Ethnicity / Western Civilization and Thought (Classical Antiquity) / Western Civilization and Thought (Medieval to Early Modern Period) / European Politics and Society / American Politics and Society / International Relations Surrounding ASEAN I / Development and Politics in East Asia I / Islamic Law and Society / Reading of Literature on International Relations and Politics, etc.

How seniors learned

Ayaka Inomata standing with a smile on campus

Law and Politics & International Cooperation

A broader perspective on social issues stemming from encounters with political ideologies.
Ayaka Inomata

I encountered political thought while taking foundational courses in Law and Politics, and I chose Law and Politics as my major because I felt it would provide clues to understanding the challenges and problems of modern society. Furthermore, the Law and Politics curriculum also includes courses in history and international relations, and through taking these courses, I felt the need to learn about international issues and challenges, so I chose International Cooperation as my minor. My goal is to gain a correct understanding of the various problems that exist in society and to develop a broad perspective.

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